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- Tasks: Join the Rights team to help our books reach global audiences through translations and adaptations.
- Company: Be part of the UK's number one publisher and make your mark in the industry.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ25,500 for six months plus a travel bursary for those commuting from outside London.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in publishing while contributing to our mission of making books for everyone.
- Qualifications: No degree needed, just be over 18 and identify as from a lower socio-economic background.
- Other info: Immerse yourself in a dynamic environment with opportunities to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 25500 - 25500 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
The Scheme is for voices we want to hear more of in publishing. Could yours be one of them?
Duration
Make your mark by spending six months between January – July 2026 working with the best at the number one publisher in the UK. You’ll immerse yourself within one of our key business areas, learning the ropes, taking ownership of projects and contributing to our mission to make books for everyone.
Benefits
All trainees are paid ÂŁ25,500 per annum (equivalent to ÂŁ12,750 for the six months of the traineeship). We also offer a travel bursary for those commuting from outside of London.
Roles & Responsibilities
As a trainee with the Rights team, you’ll help make sure our books reach global audiences through translations and adaptations. You’ll split your time between Children’s Rights and Adult’s Rights, working with a range of different titles and exciting author brands. You’ll help support activity around international book fairs, research international markets, create sales materials including genre rights guides and update international publisher information and networks of contacts.
Knowledge & Skills You’ll Gain
an understanding of how books reach global audiences; sales and negotiation skills; an understanding of consumer reading trends in international markets; organisational skills; project management skills; how to add value to a sales team.
Eligibility Criteria
You’ll need to have a pre‑existing right to work in the UK for the duration of the traineeship as unfortunately we are not able to offer visa sponsorship. You don’t need a degree, you just need to be over 18. To achieve our mission to make books for everyone because a book can change anyone, we are seeking out new voices. To apply, you’ll need to identify as from a lower socio‑economic background. We use parental occupation at age 14 to measure this as the Social Mobility Commission suggests it to be the most accurate measure available to assess socio‑economic background, as well as being accessible to those from all nationalities.
Self‑Identification
To apply for The Scheme, at age 14 your highest‑earning parent/guardian was not in management and was employed in one of the following categories:
- technical and craft occupations such as motor mechanic, plumber, printer, electrician, gardener, train driver
- routine, semi‑routine manual and service occupations such as postal worker, machine operative, security guard, caretaker, farm worker, catering assistant, sales assistant, HGV driver, cleaner, porter, packer, labourer, waiter or waitress, bar staff
- unemployed (claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance or earlier unemployment benefit for more than a year)
Additional Information
We recognise these are broad categories that may not fully reflect the many hundreds of jobs out there, or exactly fit your family situation. Please use your judgement when self‑identifying.
Rights Team Details
- USA: where we secure deals with the best US publishers to publish our books
- Dramatisation: where we connect with media partners to turn our books into films, television programs and theatre productions
- Translations: where we negotiate with international publishers to translate our UK titles and publish into other languages (sometimes up to 50 languages or more!).
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Rights and Sales Trainee employer: Penguin Books UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Books UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rights and Sales Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work in rights and sales. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for books and global markets! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your thoughts on current trends in international publishing. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its authors. Familiarise yourself with their titles and any recent news. This will help you ask insightful questions and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. So, go ahead and make that move!
We think you need these skills to ace Rights and Sales Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Publishing: Let us see your enthusiasm for books and publishing in your application. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your love for literature and how you envision contributing to our mission of making books for everyone.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Rights and Sales Trainee. Highlight skills like sales, negotiation, and project management, and connect them to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Honest About Your Background: When self-identifying your socio-economic background, be truthful and clear. We’re looking for diverse voices, so don’t hesitate to share your unique story and how it shapes your perspective on publishing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the number one publisher in the UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Books UK
✨Know Your Rights and Sales
Familiarise yourself with the basics of rights and sales in publishing. Understand how books are sold internationally, and be ready to discuss how translations and adaptations work. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Research the Company
Dive deep into the publisher's recent projects, especially those related to international markets. Knowing their key titles and author brands will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their mission of making books for everyone.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects or tasks. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, as this is crucial for the role. Use specific instances to illustrate your skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Trends
Stay updated on current consumer reading trends, especially in international markets. Be prepared to share your thoughts on what genres are gaining popularity and how that could impact sales strategies. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and industry awareness.